The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee concluded on May 29, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, marking a century of spelling excellence. This year’s competition featured 243 spellers from across the United States and several other countries, including Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Kuwait, and the Bahamas. The finals showcased nine exceptional spellers, including returning runner-up Faizan Zaki, competing for the prestigious Scripps Cup and a $50,000 prize.
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Centennial Milestone: A Century of Spelling Excellence
Established in 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has evolved into a symbol of academic achievement and linguistic prowess. Over the past century, it has grown in scope and prestige, becoming a highly competitive and widely celebrated event. This year’s centennial celebration honored the legacy of the Bee while showcasing the talents of a new generation of spellers.
The 2025 competition saw participants from all 50 U.S. states, several territories, and countries including Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Kuwait, and the Bahamas. Notably, 53 spellers returned from the 2024 Bee, demonstrating the enduring appeal and challenge of the competition.
The Final Showdown: Nine Spellers Compete for Glory
The finals brought together nine outstanding spellers:
- Esha Marupudi (Arizona)
- Oliver Halkett (California)
- Sarvadnya Kadam (California)
- Sarv Dharavane (Georgia)
- Harini Murali (New Jersey)
- Brian Liu (New York)
- Aishwarya Kallakuri (North Carolina)
- Akshaj Somisetty (Pennsylvania)
- Faizan Zaki (Texas)
Each finalist showcased exceptional spelling skills, navigating complex words and demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure. The competition was intense, with several rounds featuring flawless performances. Faizan Zaki, aiming to improve upon his runner-up finish in 2024, delivered a particularly memorable performance. In one round, he misspelled “commelina” due to a premature start but was granted a second chance when all finalists erred in that round, highlighting the high stakes and tension of the event.
Innovations and Rule Changes: Enhancing the Competition
In response to previous criticisms, the Scripps National Spelling Bee implemented several rule changes in 2025. Notably, the “spell-off” tiebreaker, which had been a point of contention in past competitions, was revised to be less likely, allowing judges more discretion to extend the competition beyond its two-hour broadcast window. Additionally, a written test was reinstated for preliminary rounds to fairly assess spellers’ abilities, helping to narrow the field to about 100 quarterfinalists and determine word difficulty in later rounds.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Bee
As the Scripps National Spelling Bee celebrates its centennial, the competition continues to inspire young spellers worldwide. The 2025 Bee not only honored a rich history but also set the stage for future innovations and continued excellence in spelling competitions. With plans already underway for the 2026 Bee, the legacy of the Scripps National Spelling Bee is poised to continue for generations to come.
Stay Connected and Support the Bee
To relive the excitement of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee and support future competitions, visit the official website at spellingbee.com. Engage with the Bee community, explore resources, and consider contributing to initiatives like the “Beelieve” fund, which aims to make spelling bees more accessible to schools and communities across the country.